EcoWaste Coalition is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions
to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world.

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01 February 2010

Green Group Urges Consumers to Cut on Water Use and Waste

Quezon City. Following Malacanang’s order directing government agencies to implement water conservation measures, the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition today urged all consumers to do their share by cutting water use and waste.

The EcoWaste Coalition released its “Water Tipid Tips” in response to the declining level of water in Angat Dam, which provides 97% of Metro Manila’s raw water supply, due to the El Niño phenomenon.

As a first step, the environmentalists emphasized the need to check and repair at once all leaking faucets, pipes, tanks and toilets to stop wasting water.

They likewise stressed the value of recycling wastewater, or what is also referred to as “graywater” from bathing, laundering, cooking and washing dishes, which can be used to water the plants, wash cars, rags, floors and tiles, clean the garage and to flush the toilet.

They further highlighted the need to harvest rainwater that can be easily done by placing a drum to the end of the alulod (gutter drain spout), but ensuring that the container is fully covered to prevent breeding of dengue mosquitoes.

Conserving water is not only a knee-jerk response to the dry spell, but an essential one to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases from the use of fossil fuels used to pump out and deliver water into our homes and neighborhoods, the EcoWaste Coalition stated.

2. Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth, shave, or wash your face and hands. Use a glass of water when brushing your teeth.

3. Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when soaping or shampooing. Use timba (pail) and tabo (dip) when taking a bath and use just enough water.

4. Place a brick, a jug with stones or a bottle filled with water inside the toilet tank to cut on water used in every flush.

5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Put discarded tissues in the bin rather than in the toilet bowl.

6. Collect water dripping from air conditioners; use it to wash your mop, water the plants or flush the toilet.

7. Reuse towels and wear clothes such as pants twice or more before washing.

8. Organize your laundry schedule and wait until you have a full load before you use the washing machine.

9. Use laundry water for cleaning used bottles, cans and other recyclables, blinds, rugs, doormats, and car wheels.

10. Keep a bucket in the bathroom and laundry area for the grey water. Use this water to flush your toilet, clean the laundry area and car port or to dampen dusty road.

11. Use the walis tingting (broomstick), not the water hose, to sweep the driveway or footpath clean.

12. Wash fruits and vegetables in a palanggana (pan) instead of running water from the tap; reuse the water for watering the plants.

13. Do not throw rice wash down the drain; use it for washing dishes or watering plants.

14. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not on running water.

15. Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to cut down on the water needed for dishwashing.

16. When boiling water, fill the kettle with just enough for your needs.

17. Never waste water served during meals; drink it up!

18. Don’t let the water run when you wash the dishes by hand, and collect the graywater for other purposes.

19. Water your plants after 5:00 pm when temperature is cooler to minimize evaporation. Water them only when necessary. Spread a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain water and reduce evaporation.

20. Harvest rainwater through the alulod (gutter) and use the water collected for your essential needs.

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is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world.